DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Council Duties

John Prescott: We want to encourage people to stand as local councillors. We recognise their voluntary contribution as an important aspect of public life. We recognise that this commitment can be time-consuming, and therefore welcome employers encouraging their employees to serve as councillors by allowing them paid time-off to carry out their council duties.
	The Electoral Commission has published its view that, under Schedule 7 to the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (Xthe Act"), the provision of such paid time-off should be treated as a political donation to the employee in his or her capacity as a holder of elective office. On the basis of this view, the value of such paid time-off must be reported to the Commission, where the total is more than #1,000 for each employee in the course of a year. In addition, employees will not lawfully be able to accept such paid time-off from their employers where these are not Xpermissible donors" under the Act.
	The Government accepts that there has been uncertainty surrounding the issue. However, the Government's long-standing policy is that the provisions of the Act should not apply to the receipt by a councillor of paid time-off for carrying out his or her duty as a councillor. It would be clearly wrong for some employers not to be able to offer paid time-off to their employees to serve as councillors. Moreover requirements on other employers, and in some cases their employees, to calculate and to report the value of such paid time-off to the Electoral Commission would be a disincentive for employers from supporting employees who wish to serve as councillors.
	Consequently, we are proposing to include in the Local Government Bill, announced on 13 November in the Queen's Speech, amendments to Schedule 7 to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. The effect of these amendments would be to exclude the value of any salary paid to an employee by an employer in respect of time-off taken in order to undertake duties as a local councillor from the definition of a donation in Schedule 7 to the Act. This would mean that it will be open to all employers to grant such paid time-off, and that the value of such time-off would not have to be reported to the Electoral Commission.
	We are providing for these amendments to apply with retrospective effect, so that any paid time-off which might have been granted to councillors since 16 February 2001, when the requirements of Schedule 7 to Act came into force, is not to be considered as a political donation.

Empty Homes

Nick Raynsford: The Government recognises that council tax information may be useful to local authority empty homes services in their work to get such property back into use. However, it is unclear whether legislation as it currently stands allows either personal or non-personal information collected for council tax purposes to be divulged to, or used by, other parts of an authority and we are aware that the Information Commissioner has advised that the legislation does not permit such uses of council tax personal information.
	The Government has therefore decided to legislate in the forthcoming Local Government Bill to make it clear local authorities can use personal and non-personal council tax information to support the development and implementation of strategies dealing with empty homes. In legislating, we will ensure that personal information will be limited to an individual's name or an address or number for communicating with him. I believe this is a sensible and proportionate response which will help get more long term empty domestic property back into use.

Council Tax

Nick Raynsford: In the light of responses to last November's consultation paper on proposed changes for second homes and long term empty homes, we have decided to give local authorities new discretion in relation to council tax discounts and exemptions.
	Firstly, we will allow English local authorities to reduce council tax discounts on second homes from 50 per cent to a minimum 10 per cent. Authorities in the areas where the discount has been reduced will retain any additional council tax raised. We do not propose to reduce their revenue support grant to reflect their ability to raise more council tax. The changes could raise an estimated extra #65 million in England and authorities will be able to decide how to spend this money to improve local public services, such as affordable housing, transport or policing.
	We have decided not to remove the discount completely because owners need an incentive to inform the local authority that properties are second homes. Without such information, local authorities would not be able to identify the extra revenue which could be raised from changing the discount.
	We recognise the special position of those who are required to live in tied accommodation provided by their employer or because of a legal requirement, such as a condition of a licence. A discount of 50 per cent will continue to apply in these cases.
	Secondly, we will allow English local authorities to reduce or remove completely the current 50 per cent council tax discounts on long term empty dwellings. Authorities will not retain any additional revenue raised. This is because we believe that decisions on whether to end the discount should be based purely on whether the measure is likely to make owners consider bringing their properties back into use.
	Thirdly, we will give local authorities in England and Wales powers to create their own discounts and exemptions, including powers to grant relief on a case by case basis. Authorities exercising these powers will meet the costs of any new discounts or exemptions.
	These decisions follow consultation on the proposals which demonstrated strong support for the reduction of discounts on second and long-term empty homes.
	An analysis of the responses to the consultation exercise has already been placed in the Library of the House and on the web-site of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
	These measures require primary legislation. As we said in the consultation draft of our Local Government Bill published on 12 June, we plan to add these measures to this Bill before it is introduced.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

XSuccess for All" Strategy

Charles Clarke: We will today launch the XSuccess for All" strategy for reforming further education and training. XSuccess for All" will build on the strengths and systematically tackle the weaknesses within the learning and skills sector, through a programme of reforms which will:
	improve the responsiveness, design and quality of provision in each locality to meet learner, employer and community needs, with providers focusing on their individual strengths;
	achieve excellence in teaching and learning across the sector by identifying, creating and disseminating good, learning materials and training and support practice programmes;
	improve leadership, raise the number of qualified teachers, managers and support staff in the sector, and ensure better rewards for high performing staff; and
	Establish a new planning, funding and accountability system for providers in the sector.
	This strategy represents a vote of confidence for the learning and skills sector, and will be supported by our largest ever investment programme in further education and training:
	the total planned funding for further education allocated to the Learning and Skills Council will rise by #1.2 billion by 2005–6 compared to 2002–3, a 19 per cent. real terms increase in 3 years;
	all learning and skills providers will negotiate 3-year funding deals based on agreed assumptions on participation levels;
	capital funding for the whole learning and skills sector allocated to the LSC will rise by over 60 per cent. in real terms by 2005–6 compared to 2002–3; and
	funding of over #40million in 2003–4 rising to over #100 million in the year 2005–6, to deliver a major programme of training and support for teachers and trainers across the learning and skills sector in response to area reviews and inspection findings.
	For further education and sixth form colleges, we will provide new money sufficient to raise the core unit of funding by 2 per cent. each year in real terms, on average. Targeted funds for college pay and staff training will also be consolidated into core funding, further boosting the core unit of funding by at least 3.5 per cent. from 2003–4.
	Higher funding rates will be paid to colleges who perform well in meeting the needs of learners and employers. Poor performing colleges will get lower increases. Where necessary they will receive additional support and intervention until they improve. By 2005–6, this investment should enable a substantial narrowing of the core funding gap between FE and school sixth forms, and of the pay gap for staff between general FE colleges and schools.
	We are also committed to further investment in work based learning providers to deliver the major reform of Modern Apprenticeships recommended by the MA Advisory Committee under Sir John Cassels, and the PSA target of 28 per cent. of young people entering MAs before they are 22 by 2004. We will make further announcements in due course about assumed funding for work based learning and adult and community learning.

DEFENCE

Medical Manning and Retention

Lewis Moonie: The Medical Manning and Retention Review has recently been completed. It was conducted inclusively, with the involvement of the British Medical and Dental Associations and NHS representation. The Review was undertaken against the background of serious manning shortfalls among medical and dental officers in the Defence Medical Services (DMS). It complements the work of the Medical Quinquennial Review (MQR) and its recommendations will be taken forward in parallel with those of the MQR. The Review will inform the Ministry of Defence paper of evidence to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) for the 2003 pay round.
	The Review has involved a detailed examination of the manning requirement and how this should be met. It has also examined the factors which influence medical and dental officer manning and, to assist in this, an independent human resources consultant was employed to obtain the views of serving medical and dental officers and those who had recently left the Armed Forces. As part of the Review, comparisons were made with pay and conditions of service in the NHS and other potential areas of employment. The MOD's existing proposals for aligning the terms of service of medical and dental officers across the three Services were also re-examined.
	The Review concluded that three main issues needed to be addressed if the necessary improvements in recruitment and retention were to be achieved: overstretch; pay and pensions; and the quality of life. It made a number of recommendations covering both remuneration and non-financial issues. The main recommendations are:
	New pay arrangements, endorsed by the AFPRB, which will form the basis for our evidence on medical and dental officers' pay to the AFPRB early in the New Year. It is planned that the new pay structure will be implemented in two phases; the first, which contains most of the changes, with effect from 1 April 2003, and the second with effect from 1 April 2004;
	Interim improvements to the pension arrangements for DMS medical and dental officers in advance of the introduction of a final salary scheme for all military personnel around 2005–6;
	Introduction of XGolden hellos" not exceeding #50,000 gross for a commensurate 5-year return of service to improve direct entry recruiting in those medical specialities that are in short supply and have a significant deployment base.
	The Review also addressed the need further to strengthen management processes across the DMS and proposed a range of recommendations encompassing management, career and quality of life issues which will receive urgent action.
	The outcome of the Review will provide a significant opportunity to build on the work of the MQR and maintain focus on the two key defence medical outputs—deployable operational medical capability, and timely appropriate healthcare for Service personnel. The Government is committed to providing modern and forward-looking Defence Medical Services fit to meet the challenges we expect to face in the twenty-first century.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefits Uprating

Andrew Smith: The new rates of benefits proposed from April 2003 are set out in the tables. The Annual uprating of benefits will take place in the first full week of the tax year. In 2003, this will be the week beginning 7 April. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.
	
		Weekly rates unless otherwise shown 
		
			  Rates 20022003 
		
		
			 Attendance Allowance 
			 higher rate 56.25 57.20 
			 lower rate 37.65 38.30 
			 Child Benefit 
			 — only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (couple) 15.75 16.05 
			 — only, elder or eldest for whom child benefit is payable (lone parent) 17.55 17.55 
			 — each subsequent child 10.55 10.75 
			 Council Tax Benefit 
			 Personal allowances 
			 single 
			 18 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 25 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 lone parent—18 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 couple—one or both over 18 84.65 85.75 
			 Dependent Children 
			 from birth to September following 16th birthday 37.00 38.50 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 37.80 38.50 
			 Pensioner (from October 2003) 
			 single—60 to 64  102.10 
			 couple—one or both 60 to 64  155.80 
			 single—65 and over  116.90 
			 couple—one or both 65 and over  175.00 
			 Premiums 
			 family 14.75 15.75 
			 family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20 
			 pensioner 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (enhanced) 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (higher) 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 disability 
			 single 23.00 23.30 
			 couple 32.80 33.25 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.25 11.40 
			 disabled child rate 11.25 16.60 
			 couple rate 16.25 16.45 
			 severe disability 
			 single 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (one qualifies) 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (both qualify) 84.50 85.90 
			 disabled child 35.50 41.30 
			 carer 24.80 25.10 
			 bereavement 21.55 22.80 
			 Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital 
			 higher rate 18.90 19.35 
			 lower rate 15.10 15.50 
			 Non-dependent deductions 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: #293 or more 6.95 6.95 
			 — gross income: #235 to #292.99 5.80 5.80 
			 — gross income: #137 to #234.99 4.60 4.60 
			 — gross income less than #137 2.30 2.30 
			 others, aged 18 or over 2.30 2.30 
			 Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit 
			 second adult on IS or JSA(ib) 25% of Council Tax 25% of Council Tax 
			 second adult's gross income: 
			 — under #137 15% of Council Tax 15% of Council Tax 
			 — #137 to #176.99 7.5% of Council Tax 7.5% of Council Tax 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (clmt/ptner 60 or over) 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 upper limit (PC guarantee) from October 2003  No limit 
			 amount disregarded (clmt/ptner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 child disregard 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit of RC/NH 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amt disregarded of RC/NH 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Tariff income 
			 #1 for every complete #250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit  
			 Tariff income (clmt/ptner 60 or over) from October 2003 
			 #1 for every #500 or part thereof between amount of capital disregard and capital upper limit  
			 Earnings disregards 
			 where disability premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 various specified employments 20.00 20.00 
			 lone parent 25.00 25.00 
			 where the claimant has a partner 10.00 10.00 
			 single claimant 5.00 5.00 
			 where carer premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 childcare charges 94.50 94.50 
			 childcare charges (2 or more children) 140.00 140.00 
			 Other income disregards 
			 maintenance disregard 15.00 15.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 certain voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: 
			 disregard the fixed amount (#20) plus 
			 50% of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 30 Hr Adult Allowance in WTC 11.65 11.90 
			 30 Hr Adult Credit in WTC 11.65 11.90 
			 Expenses for subtenants 
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.40 9.65 
			 Dependency Increases 
			 Adult Dependency Increases for spouse or person looking after children, with; 
			 retirement pension or own insurance 45.20 46.35 
			 long-term incap. benefit, unemployability supplement 42.45 43.15 
			 severe disablement allowance 25.45 25.90 
			 invalid care allowance (carer's allowance from April 2003) 25.35 25.80 
			 short-term incap. benefit if beneficiary over pension age 40.80 41.50 
			 maternity allowance/short-term incap. benefit 33.10 33.65 
			 Child Dependency Increases with; retirement pension, widowed mothers allowance, widowed parents allowance, short-term incap. benefit at the higher rate and long-term incap. benefit invalid care allowance (carer's allowance from April 2003)  
			 severe disab. allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incap. benefit if beneficiary over pension age 11.35 11.35 
			 NB—The Overlapping Benefits Regulations provide for the rate of child dependency increases to be adjusted where the increase is payable for the eldest eligible child for whom ChB is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase is reduced by the differential (less #3.50 from April 2000), between the rate of ChB payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child  
			 Disability Living Allowance 
			 Care Component 
			 highest 56.25 57.20 
			 middle 37.65 38.30 
			 lowest 14.90 15.15 
			 Mobility Component 
			 higher 39.30 39.95 
			 lower 14.90 15.15 
			 Earnings Rules 
			 Invalid Care Allowance (Carer's Allowance from April 2003) 75.00 77.00 
			 Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance (new rate applies from October 2002) 66.00 67.50 
			 Permitted work earnings limit (new rate applies from October 2002) 66.00 67.50 
			 Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount) 3,432.00 3,510.00 
			 Adult dependency increases with short-term incap. benefit where claimant is 
			 (a) under pension age 33.10 33.65 
			 (b) over pension age 40.80 41.50 
			 maternity allowance 33.10 33.65 
			 retirement pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance,unemployability supplement where dependant  
			 (a) is living with claimant 53.95 54.65 
			 (b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule 45.09 45.09 
			 retirement pension, long term incap. benefit 45.20 46.35 
			 and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant 42.45 43.15 
			 severe disablement allowance where dependent not living with claimant 25.45 25.90 
			 invalid care allowance (carer's allowance from April 2003) 25.35 25.80 
			 Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner 
			 for first child 155.00 160.00 
			 for each subsequent child 20.00 20.00 
			 Guardian's Allowance 11.35 11.55 
			 Housing Benefit 
			 Personal allowances 
			 single 
			 16 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 25 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 lone parent 
			 under 18 42.70 43.25 
			 18 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 couple 
			 both under 18 64.45 65.30 
			 one or both 18 or over 84.65 85.75 
			 dependent children 
			 from birth to September following 16th birthday 37.00 38.50 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 37.80 38.50 
			 pensioner (from October 2003) 
			 single—60 to 64  102.10 
			 couple—one or both 60 to 64  155.80 
			 single—65 and over  116.90 
			 couple—one or both 64 or over  175.00 
			 Premiums 
			 family 14.75 15.75 
			 family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20 
			 pensioner 44.20 47.45 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (enhanced) 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (higher) 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 disability 
			 single 23.00 23.30 
			 couple 32.80 33.25 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.25 11.40 
			 disabled child rate 11.25 16.60 
			 couple rate 16.25 16.45 
			 severe disability 
			 single 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (one qualifies) 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (both qualify) 84.50 85.90 
			 disabled child 35.50 41.30 
			 carer 24.80 25.10 
			 bereavement 21.55 22.80 
			 Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital 
			 higher rate 18.90 19.35 
			 lower rate 15.10 15.50 
			 Non-dependent deductions, rent rebates and allowances 
			 aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance age 18 or over, not in remunerative work or 
			 — gross income less than #92 7.40 7.40 
			 age 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: less than #92 7.40 7.40 
			 — gross income: #92 to #136.99 17.00 17.00 
			 — gross income: #137 to #176.99 23.35 23.35 
			 — gross income: #177 to #234.99 38.20 38.20 
			 — gross income: #235 to #292.99 43.50 43.50 
			 — gross income: #293 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Service charges for fuel 
			 heating 9.40 9.65 
			 hot water 1.15 1.20 
			 lighting 0.80 0.80 
			 cooking 1.15 1.20 
			 Amount ineligible for meals 
			 three or more meals a day 
			 single claimant 19.25 19.50 
			 each person in family aged 16 or over 19.25 19.50 
			 each child under 16 9.70 9.85 
			 less than three meals a day 
			 single claimant 12.80 12.95 
			 each person in family aged 16 or over 12.80 12.95 
			 each child under 16 6.45 6.55 
			 breakfast only—claimant and each member of family 2.35 2.40 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (clmt/ptner 60 or over) 16,000.00 16.000.00 
			 upper limit (PC guarantee) from October 2003  No limit 
			 amount disregarded (clmt/ptner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 child disregard 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit of RC/NH 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded of RC/NH 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Tariff income 
			 for every complete #250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit  
			 Tariff income (clmt/ptner 60 or over) from October 2003 
			 #1 for every #500 or part thereof betwen amount of capital disregard and capital upper limit  
			 Earnings disregards 
			 where disability premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 various specified employments 20.00 20.00 
			 lone parent 25.00 25.00 
			 where the claimant has a partner 10.00 10.00 
			 single claimant 5.00 5.00 
			 where carer premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 childcare charges 94.50 94.50 
			 childcare charges (2 or more children) 140.00 140.00 
			 Other income disregards 
			 maintenance disregard 15.00 15.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 certain voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: 
			 disregard the fixed amount (#20) plus 
			 50% of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 30 Hr Adult Allowance in WTC 11.65 11.90 
			 30 Hr Adult Credit in WTC 11.65 11.90 
			 Expenses for subtenants 
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.40 9.65 
			 Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments 
			 ordinary overpayments 8.10 8.25 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 10.80 10.80 
			 Incapacity Benefit 
			 Long-term Incapacity Benefit 70.95 72.15 
			 Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age) 
			 lower rate 53.50 54.40 
			 higher rate 63.25 64.35 
			 Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over pension age) 
			 lower rate 68.05 69.20 
			 higher rate 70.95 72.15 
			 Increase of Long-term Incap. Benefit for age 
			 higher rate 14.90 15.15 
			 lower rate 7.45 7.60 
			 Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) 
			 higher rate 14.90 15.15 
			 middle rate 9.50 9.70 
			 lower rate 4.75 4.85 
			 Income Support 
			 Personal Allowances 
			 single 
			 under 18—usual rate 32.50 32.90 
			 under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances 42.70 43.25 
			 18 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 25 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 lone parent 
			 under 18—usual rate 32.50 32.90 
			 under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances 42.70 43.25 
			 18 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 couple 
			 both under 18 32.50 32.90 
			 both under 18, one disabled 42.70 43.25 
			 both under 18, with resp. for a child 64.45 65.30 
			 one under 18, one 18 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 one under 18, one 25+ 53.95 54.65 
			 both 18 or over 84.65 85.75 
			 dependent children 
			 birth to September following 16th birthday 37.00 38.50 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 37.80 38.50 
			 Residental Allowance 
			 except Greater London 64.40 65.50 
			 Greater London 71.65 72.85 
			 Premiums 
			 family 14.75 15.75 
			 family (lone parent rate) 15.90 15.90 
			 pensioner 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (enhanced) 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (higher) 
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 disability 
			 single 23.00 23.00 
			 couple 32.80 33.25 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.25 11.40 
			 disabled child rate 11.25 16.60 
			 couple rate 16.25 16.45 
			 severe disability 
			 single 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (one qualifies) 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (both qualify) 84.50 85.90 
			 disabled child 35.50 41.30 
			 carer 24.80 25.10 
			 bereavement 21.55 22.80 
			 hospital 
			 higher rate 18.90 19.35 
			 lower rate 15.10 15.50 
			 local authority (Pt III) accommodation 75.50 77.45 
			 of which, Personal Expenses 16.80 17.50 
			 Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in: 
			 the Polish Home, Ilford Park max amount for accommodation and meals 385.00 390.00 
			 personal expenses for claimant 17.35 17.50 
			 personal expenses for partner 17.35 17.50 
			 personal expenses for dep children 
			 (a) under 11 6.35 6.45 
			 (b) 11 to 15 9.30 9.40 
			 (c) 16 to 17 10.75 10.90 
			 (d) 18 15.55 15.55 
			 personal expenses allowance for claimant admitted or readmitted on or after 1 April 1995 16.80 17.50 
			 Housing costs 
			 deduction for non-dependents aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in work or  
			 — gross income less than #92 7.40 7.40 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work: 
			 — gross income: less than #92 7.40 7.40 
			 — gross income: #92 to #136.99 17.00 17.00 
			 — gross income: #137 to #176.99 23.35 23.35 
			 — gross income: #177 to #234.99 38.20 38.20 
			 — gross income: #235 to #292.99 43.50 43.50 
			 — gross income: #293 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Deduction for direct payments arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax and fines default, and 2.70 2.75 
			 deductions for child maintenance (standard) 5.40 5.50 
			 deductions for child maintenance (lower) 2.70 2.75 
			 Arrears of Community Charge 
			 court order against claimant 2.70 2.75 
			 court order against couple 4.25 4.30 
			 Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments 
			 ordinary overpayments 8.10 8.25 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 10.80 10.80 
			 Reduction in benefit for strikers 29.00 29.50 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 8,000.00 8,000.00 
			 amount disregard 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limited (clmt/ptner 60 or over) 12,000.00 12,000.00 
			 amount disregarded (clmt/ptner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6.000.00 
			 child's limit 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit of RC/NH 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded of RC/NH 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Tariff income 
			 #1 for every complete #250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit  
			 Disregards 
			 standard earnings 5.00 5.00 
			 couples earnings 10.00 10.00 
			 higher earnings 20.00 20.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: 
			 disregard the fixed amount (#20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 Expenses for subtenants 
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.40 9.65 
			 Industrial Death Benefit 
			 Widow's pension 
			 higher rate 75.50 77.45 
			 lower rate 22.65 23.24 
			 Widower's pension 75.50 77.45 
			 Industrial Injuries Disablement Pension 
			 18 and over, or under 18 with dependents 
			 100% 114.80 116.80 
			 90% 103.32 105.12 
			 80% 91.84 93.44 
			 70% 80.36 81.76 
			 60% 68.88 70.08 
			 50% 57.40 58.40 
			 40% 45.92 46.72 
			 30% 34.44 35.04 
			 20% 22.96 23.36 
			 Under 18 
			 100% 70.35 71.55 
			 90% 63.32 64.40 
			 80% 56.28 57.24 
			 70% 49.25 50.09 
			 60% 42.21 42.93 
			 60% 42.21 42.93 
			 50% 35.18 35.78 
			 40% 28.14 28.62 
			 30% 21.11 21.47 
			 20% 14.07 14.31 
			 Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) 7,630.00 7,760.00 
			   
			 Unemployability Supplement 70.95 72.15 
			 plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity   
			 higher rate 14.90 15.15 
			 middle rate 9.50 9.70 
			 lower rate 4.75 4.85 
			 Maximum reduced earnings allowance 45.92 46.72 
			 Maximum retirement allowance 11.84 11.68 
			 Constant attendance allowance   
			 exceptional rate 92.00 93.60 
			 intermediate rate 69.00 70.20 
			 normal maximum rate 46.00 46.80 
			 part-time rate 23.00 23.40 
			 Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 46.00 46.80 
			 Invalid Care Allowance (Carer's Allowance from April 2003) 42.45 43.15 
			 Jobseekers Allowance   
			 Contribution based JSA—Pers. rates   
			 under 18 32.50 32.90 
			 18 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 25 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 Income-based JSA—Pers. allowances   
			 Under 18 32.50 32.90 
			 18 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 25 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 lone parent   
			 under 18—usual rate 32.50 32.90 
			 under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances 42.70 43.25 
			 18 or over 53.95 54.65 
			 couple both under 18 32.50 32.90 
			 both under 18, one disabled 42.70 43.25 
			 both under 18, with responsibility for a child 64.45 65.30 
			 one under 18, one 18 to 24 42.70 43.25 
			 one under 18, one 25+ 53.95 54.65 
			 both 18 or over 84.65 85.75 
			 dependent children from birth to September following 16th birthday 37.00 38.50 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 37.80 38.50 
			 Residential Allowance except Greater London 64.40 65.50 
			 Greater London 71.65 72.85 
			 Premiums   
			 family 14.75 15.75 
			 family (lone parent rate) 15.90 15.90 
			 pensioner   
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (enhanced)   
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			 pensioner (higher)   
			 single 44.20 47.45 
			 couple 65.15 70.05 
			   
			 disability   
			 single 23.00 23.30 
			 couple 32.80 33.25 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.25 11.40 
			 disability child rate 11.25 16.60 
			 couple rate 16.25 16.45 
			 severe disability   
			 single 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (one qualifies) 42.25 42.95 
			 couple (both qualify) 84.50 85.90 
			 disabled child 35.50 41.30 
			 carer 24.80 25.10 
			 bereavement 21.55 22.80 
			 hospital   
			 higher rate 18.90 19.35 
			 lower rate 15.10 15.50 
			 local authority (Pt III) 75.50 77.45 
			 accommodation of which, Personal Expenses 16.80 17.50 
			 Housing costs deduction for non-dependents aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work or:   
			 —gross income less than #92 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 7.40 7.40 
			 —gross income: less than #92 7.40 7.40 
			 —gross income: #92 to #136.99 17.00 17.00 
			 —gross income: #137 to #176.99 23.35 23.35 
			 —gross income: #177 to #234.99 38.20 38.20 
			 —gross income: #235 to #292.99 43.50 43.50 
			 —gross income: #293 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Deductions for direct payments   
			 Deductions from JSA (IB) arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax and fines default, and 2.70 2.75 
			 Deductions for Child Maintenance   
			 deductions for child maintenance (standard) 5.40 5.50 
			 deductions for child maintenance (lower) 2.70 2.75 
			 Arrears of Community Charge   
			 court order against claimant 2.70 2.75 
			 court order against couple 4.25 4.30 
			 deductions from JSA (Cont.)   
			 Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax, fines and overpayment recovery   
			 Age 16 to 17 10.83 10.96 
			 Age 18 to 24 14.23 14.41 
			 Age 25+ 17.98 18.21 
			 Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support Maintenance   
			 Age 16 to 17 10.83 10.96 
			 Age 18 to 24 14.23 14.41 
			 Age 25+ 17.93 18.21 
			 Maximum rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA(ib)   
			 ordinary overpayments 8.10 8.25 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 10.80 10.80 
			 Reduction in benefit for strikers 29.00 29.50 
			 Capital   
			 upper limit 8,000.00 8,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 child's limit 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit of RC/NH 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded of RC/NH 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over) 12,000.00 12,000.00 
			 amount disregarded (claimant/or partner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 Tariff income   
			 #1 for every complete #250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit   
			 Disregards   
			 standard earnings 5.00 5.00 
			 couples earnings 10.00 10.00 
			 higher earnings 20.00 20.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's convenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (#20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 Expenses for subtenants   
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.40 9.65 
			 Maternity Allowance   
			 Standard rate 75.00 100.00 
			 MA threshold 30.00 30.00 
			 Pension Credit (from October 2003)   
			 Standard minimum guarantee   
			 single  102.10 
			 couple  155.80 
			 Additional amount for severe disability   
			 single  42.95 
			 couple (one qualifies)  42.95 
			 couple (both qualifies)  85.90 
			 Additional amount for carer  25.10 
			 Savings credit theshold   
			 single  77.45 
			 couple  123.80 
			 Capital   
			 Amount disregard  6,000.00 
			 Amount disregard–care homes  10,000.00 
			 Deemed income #1 for each complete #500 or part thereof in excess of above amounts   
			 Housing costs   
			 Deduction for non-dependents:   
			 aged 18 or over, not in work or in work and in receipt of Pension Credit  7.40 
			 aged 18 or over and in work:   
			 —gross income: less than #92  7.40 
			 —gross income: #92 to #136.99  17.00 
			 —gross income: #137 to #176.99  23.35 
			 —gross income: #177 to #234.99  38.20 
			 —gross income: #235 to #292.99  43.50 
			 —gross income: #293 and above  47.75 
			   
			 Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage  155.80 
			 Additional amount for additional spouse  53.70 
			 Disregards   
			 Standard earnings  5.00 
			 Couples earnings  10.00 
			 Higher earnings  20.00 
			 War disablement pension and War widows pension  10.00 
			 Widowed Parent's Allowance  10.00 
			 Income from Subtenants  20.00 
			 Income from boarders  20.00 
			 (disregard the fixed amount (#20) plus 50 per cent. of the balance of the charge)   
			 Deduction for direct payments arrears of housing, fuel, water costs, council tax and fines default  2.75 
			 Arrears of Community Charge court order against claimant  2.75 
			 court order against couple  4.30 
			 Maximum rates of recovery of overpayments   
			 ordinary overpayments  8.25 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud  10.80 
			 Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis, and Miscellaneous Diseases Scheme and the Workmen's Compensation (Supplementation)   
			 Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum) 114.80 116.80 
			 Partial disablement allowance 42.45 43.15 
			 Unemployability supplement 70.95 72.15 
			 plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity   
			 higher rate 14.90 15.15 
			 middle rate 9.50 9.70 
			 lower rate 4.75 4.85 
			   
			 Constant attendance allowance   
			 exceptional rate 92.00 93.60 
			 intermediate rate 69.00 70.20 
			 normal maximum rate 46.00 46.80 
			 part-time rate 23.00 23.40 
			 Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 46.00 46.80 
			 Lesser incapacity allowance   
			 maximum rate of allowance 42.45 43.15 
			 based on loss of earnings over 56.25 57.20 
			 Retirement Pension   
			 Category A or B 75.50 77.45 
			 Category B (lower)—husband's insurance 45.20 46.35 
			 Category C or D—non-contributory 45.20 46.35 
			 Category C (lower)—non-contributory 27.00 27.70 
			 Additional pension  Increase by: 1.7 per cent. 
			 Increments to: Basic pension  Increase by: 6.6 per cent. 
			 Additional pension  1.7 per cent. 
			 Contracted out deductions (CODs) (Pre April 1988 earnings)  1.7 per cent. 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)  1.7 per cent. 
			 Increments to CODs (April 1988 to April 1997 earnings)  Nil 
			 (3.0 per cent. paid by schemes)   
			 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) 0.0921 0.0937 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)  Increase by: 1.7 per cent. 
			 Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25 
			 Severe Disablement Allowance   
			 Basic rate 42.85 43.60 
			   
			 Age-related addition (from December 1990)   
			 Higher rate 14.90 15.15 
			 Middle rate 9.50 9.70 
			 Lower rate 4.75 4.85 
			 Statutory Adoption Pay   
			 Earnings threshold  77.00 
			 Rate  100.00 
			 Statutory Maternity Pay   
			 Earnings threshold 75.00 77.00 
			 Standard rate 75.00 100.00 
			 Statutory Paternity Pay   
			 Earnings threshold  77.00 
			 Rate  100.00 
			 Statutory Sick Pay   
			 Earnings threshold 75.00 77.00 
			 Standard rate 63.25 64.35 
			 Widow's Benefit   
			 Widowed Mother's Allowance 75.50 77.45 
			 Widow's Pension Standard Rate 75.50 77.45 
			 Age-related   
			 Age 54 (49) 70.22 72.03 
			 53 (48) 64.93 66.61 
			 52 (47) 59.65 61.19 
			 51 (46) 54.36 55.76 
			 50 (45) 49.08 50.34 
			 49 (44) 43.79 44.92 
			 48 (43) 38.51 39.50 
			 47 (42) 33.22 34.08 
			 46 (41) 27.94 28.66 
			 45 (40) 22.65 23.24 
			 Note: For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets. 
			   
			 Bereavement Benefit   
			 Bereavement payment (lump sum) 2,000.00 2,000.00 
			 Widowed parent's allowance 75.50 77.45 
			 Bereavement Allowance   
			 Standard rate 75.50 77.45 
			 age-related   
			 age 54 70.22 72.03 
			 53 64.93 66.61 
			 52 59.65 61.19 
			 51 54.36 55.76 
			 50 49.08 50.34 
			 49 43.79 44.92 
			 48 38.51 39.50 
			 47 33.22 34.08 
			 46 27.94 28.66 
			 45 22.65 23.24